Archived Version

The Isis is a busy place - minor scrapes and bumps often occur. However, sometimes more serious collisions happen. As a matter of consideration and responsibility for your crew, your friends, or strangers in other boats, you should know what to do in case the worst does happen.

Disclaimer: The information and steps below are advisory and in very general terms. In a real-life situation there is no substitute for being at the scene and in the position of the parties. It is the aim of OURCs to provide the ínformation below as things to consider and possible courses of action for each of the parties. It is by no means a comprehensive list of possible courses of action, and contrary action may be required in extreme or improbable circumstances.

Key Points

Momentum hurts. If a collision is likely, reduce your speed.

Remain in control of your crew - if you panic, so will they.

Check your crew are unhurt. If you need to summon help, know how to do this as fast as possible.

Imminent Head-On Collision

Get all eight rowers to hold it up (yelling "HOLD IT HARD"). If your crew is at, or slows to a standstill, get as many people (preferably all eight) to back it down as fast as possible. The smaller the speed differential, the less severe the crash. Backing it down might be the difference between a bent rigger and a shattered canvas.

If a collision is imminent, get the appropriate rowers to draw their blades in all the way, so the other crew does not get whacked in the back. Lie down if at all possible (including you the coxswain if there's a blade coming your way.)

If there is a collision, check that people in both crews are okay. Injuries to the head, neck and back are all possible. If someone is injured, take action.

If the two boats have become entangled, try and separate them. If they cannot be easily separated, you will need to head to the nearest pontoon:

Get your coach to seek a throwline.

Around the entanglement zone, get both crews to hold on to each other's oars, to minimise the stresses on the boats.

Arrange a suitable rowing arrangement with both crews to make the best safe progress to the next pontoon.

Don't forget to scratch on if you need to move perpendicular to your boats.

In the case of capsize

If Someone is Injured

You should be aware of your club's emergency plans and procedures. If you need to call an ambulance, you should weigh up where you need to land - the CORC landing stage is much easier to reach for a vehicle, but failing that, it is possible to get access to the towpath, via an access road just to the west of Donnington Bridge. If the casualty is likely to have neck or back injuries, take extra care if they need to be moved.